James Thornton and Nusara (Nus) Thuansri came to the SBDC because they were presented with an opportunity to buy Thai Pepper, a popular local Thai food restaurant. When the original owner passed after contracting the coronavirus, the family decided to sell the business. In the interim, the business was closed. When James and Nus were approached about buying the business, they knew they would need financing, so they visited the SBDC to create a business plan that they could present to the bank. James and Nus met with the SBDC to review the company’s historical financials and to work on their business plan. With the assistance of the SBDC, the couple was able to craft a plan that would explain how they would continue the restaurant’s success after the change in ownership. The plan was able to highlight Nus’ Thai heritage and her extensive experience working in the local Thai restaurants in Lubbock. After reviewing the numbers, the couple was also able to create a set of projections that they could marry with their plan to present to the bank. The SBDC assisted James and Nus in the completion of their business plan, and they successfully obtained the financing they needed to re-open the business. Since its re-opening, the restaurant has been as busy as it has ever been, perhaps busier. Thanks to the new owners, and the work they put in at the SBDC, Thai Pepper will remain a Lubbock tradition.
